From Paperclip to Truck: The Power of the Trading Activity

Taguig Stake, Philippines:

One of the cornerstones of the Academy for Creating Enterprise’s training programs is what we call the “Trading Activity”. Program classes are divided into groups with the task of trading an object of little value, such as a paperclip or even a pebble, to an object of higher value. This trading is repeated until the object obtained can be traded for cash, etc to provide start-up funds for the group’s planned income generating activities.

This is the story of one group’s success with the trading activity in the Academy’s Start Now! program, a four-day experiential training focused on application of business principles.

It all started when the face-to-face Start Now! class was held in Taguig stake in January 2019 under the supervision of Academy regional coordinator, Reno Bayani. After the class was divided into several groups, they were asked to choose a name for their group. In the “Fantastic 6” group were: Rachel Capulac, Ronelle Agudo, Abraham Martes, Lemon Abby Martes, Lawrence Alcantara, and Venus Plata. The group took this challenge seriously and their first trade flipped that paper clip into a small bag. The second trade changed that bag into a can of paint and a paintbrush. The can of paint and brush then became an ice maker which the group finally monetized into 350 pesos. The trading activity closed and the group was happy.

Instead of dividing the money amongst themselves, the group thought of continuing the trading project. They agreed to buy scrap materials with the 350 pesos, which they then sold for 3,500 pesos, a margin of 1000%. Believing they could build something bigger, they added their own money to the 3,500 cash, and used it as downpayment for a truck since they shared a common interest in creating a trucking service business. Today that truck is being rented out to construction companies, which pays for the loan the group took to purchase it, and at the same time provides extra income for each of the members of the group. This has been a blessing considering how COVID has affected the Philippines, where every source of income helps.

The group is happy with what they have accomplished so far. Looking back they are amazed that they actually turned a paperclip into a truck. In the future, if they amicably decide to part ways and pursue their own ventures, they know in their hearts that they can succeed, and they have lifelong friends to cheer them on.